New Car/Review

Nissan Maxima SE 20th Anniversary Edition (2001)

by Carey Russ

Nissan is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its mid-sized
Maxima sedan with a special 20th Anniversary Edition of the
sportiest Maxima, the SE. Call it the "Maximum Maxima," because
the 20th Anniversary Edition SE shows why the Maxima has been
and continues to be a benchmark in the mid-sized import sedan
class.

The Maxima differs from its competitors in two important
ways. It's positioned more upscale, with no entry-level four-cylinder
models, only three trim levels powered by a very impressive V6.
And it has always been sportier than any Japanese or domestic-
nameplate competitors. Early Maximas used the same basic engine
as was used in Nissan's 280 and, later, 300ZX sports cars. The Z is
gone, for now anyway, but the Maxima still offers a standard five-
speed manual gearbox in a class where most competitors have only
automatics. And the SE model's sport-tuned chassis is unlike that of
any other midsized Japanese-brand family sedan.

The current-generation Maxima was introduced for the
2000 model year, and so is little changed for 2001 with the notable
exception of the Anniversary Edition SE. "Entry-level" is a poor
description of the GLE, as it is very well-equipped. The GLE
handles any customer demand for luxury, and the SE is one of the
best front-wheel drive sports sedans available, from any
manufacturer. The Anniversary Edition adds special body and
interior trim, the "SE Comfort and Convenience" equipment
package, and extra engine power and a limited-slip differential as
standard fare.

I've been driving a 20th Anniversary Edition Maxima SE for
the past week, and it's been a very pleasant week. The car combines
performance that bests many sports coupes with the comfort and
luxury of a more expensive entry-luxury sedan. A good interior
layout and plenty of space for its size make any Maxima a great car;
the SE has the added benefit improved performance.

APPEARANCE: The current Maxima builds on the design of its
immediate predecessor, but with better-defined, more assertive
front and rear styling. The 20th Anniversary Edition adds an "aero
kit" consisting of a small front spoiler with matching side sills and
rear under-spoiler, bronze-tinted headlight lenses, and 17-inch six-
spoke alloy wheels with low-profile sports tires. Unlike some sports
bodywork kits, this is very understated, befitting a sport-luxury
sedan. A discreet amount of chrome trim adds a luxury touch. Body
panel fit and finish is first-rate.

COMFORT: The current Maxima's standard interior is spacious,
functional, and very comfortable if not overly fancy. The windows,
mirrors, and door locks are power-operated, and the driver's
window operates with one touch down and up. The 20th
Anniversary SE adds simulated metal trim, drilled metal pedals, and
black-on-silver gauges for a very sporty look. The comfortably
supportive front sport seats have perforated leather upholstery
when the "SE Leather Trim Package" option group is specified.
Rear seat space and comfort are good, and the 60/40 split adds
convenience. There is plenty of trunk space. Good soundproofing
and high-quality seat materials help to make the Maxima a quiet,
relaxing car, no matter which trim level is chosen.

SAFETY: The Maxima's chassis is built with front and rear crush
zones and standard antilock brakes. Dual front airbags are standard,
with side bags available. All occupants have three-point harnesses.

ROADABILITY: A rigid chassis structure and firm but supple
suspension tuning give the Maxima SE a near-perfect balance of
ride comfort and handling ability. It's a bit softer than hardcore
sports sedan, but works very well in the real world of questionably-
paved roads. The 20th Anniversary Edition package includes a
viscous limited-slip differential for improved traction. Rear beam
axles are commonly used to cut costs, and can have less-than-
perfect effects on ride and handling. Not Nissan's "Multi-Link
Beam Axle" rear suspension. Its locating linkage keeps the rear
wheels perpendicular to the road, without camber change, for good
traction, and prevents unwanted lateral movement. In almost any
real-world condition, it's as good as or better than any common
independent rear suspension system. Its compact design allows
increased interior and trunk space.

PERFORMANCE: With an engine like this, who needs a
turbocharger? Nissan's high-tech twincam 3.0-liter V6 makes
beautiful music and has a wonderfully flexible power delivery, with
good low-end torque and a healthy midrange that keeps on building
to redline. Thank the engine's low-friction internal design, variable
air intake control, and a variable capacity muffler derived from the
legendary Skyline GT-R for that. Standard horsepower has risen
from the previous-generation Maxima's 190 to 222, and torque is
up from 205 lb-ft to 217 at 4000 rpm. The SE gets a modified
muffler that adds five horsepower, for a maximum of 227 at 6400
rpm. The five-speed manual gearbox is the way to go for maximum
performance, with great shift action and a light clutch. The pedal
arrangement encourages enthusiastic driving.

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